Dauntsey’s Billy Elliot hits the West End

A cast of 100 Dauntsey’s pupils, supported by their own technical crew and full orchestra has just returned from a sell-out performance of Billy Elliot at the Novello Theatre in the West End, London.

Following the huge success in December last year of the School’s inspiring production of the stage adaptation of one of Britain’s most popular films, Dauntsey’s was invited to perform the show in London. This is the third such invitation to perform a musical in the West End, with Les Miserables in 2003, and Miss Saigon in 2012.

The excitement and anticipation of the audience, made up of Dauntsey’s extended family, was palpable. The atmosphere in the theatre was electric, from stepping through the doors of the Novello, right up to the well-deserved standing ovation at the end.

The performance was no small undertaking. The December production had to be re-imagined and rehearsed again in order to fit the smaller stage that was built overnight on Saturday, in front of the existing Mamma Mia set. The orchestra played via a screen from one of the theatre’s bar areas, and sounded magnificent. The School’s technical crew rose to the challenge, quickly becoming familiar with the Novello's lighting and sound system to create a magical production.

Rikki Jackson, Director of Drama, Dauntsey’s said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for all those involved and an incredibly exciting event for the whole School community. The cast and orchestra performed brilliantly and adapted exceptionally well to the smaller stage and larger audience. It was a night to remember for us all!”